AVM, in California, you should have no problem cutting Sombreuil back after its spring bloom. Cut the lateral canes back as much as you have to. It should come back strongly with another cycle of bloom. I would, if possible, avoid shortening your main basal canes much during the growing season though, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Roses are tough. Sombreuil will adapt. If you have not visited the Sacramento City Cemetery's Historic Rose Garden, (1000 Broadway) I urge you to do so. Go on a Saturday, and you'll likely find a crew of volunteers working, they'll be happy to show you the way THEY prune climbers. They will also offer a guided tour of the garden on Sat., Sept. 20, and later, they do pruning demos. You can learn more there than anywhere else in your entire area. Jeri

Prune well beneath the canker and dispose of all the prunings by bagging them and throwing them away. Disinfect the pruners between plants. Cut at about a 45 degree angle and make sure your pruners are nice and sharp before you start so they'll make clean cuts. I hope the canker is not too low on the canes or you'll be cutting back the Knockout roses lower than generally is recommended. I remember when Knockouts were first introduced and were touted as being extremely disease-resistant. I have been surprised how many people have had major black spot and canker issues with them....but that is a reminder to us all that resistance is merely resistance, not immunity.

Four Easy Steps to Pruning Cut out all dead canes right to the ground Cut out all diseased canes or ones damaged by rubbing against others, back to healthy wood. Healthy wood when cut looks like a green apple. Remove any stems thinner than a pencil thickness as they will only produce poor blooms. Prune back the canes left according to the type of rose. A general rule of thumb for most bush roses is cut back by one third.

Thank you everyone! I've pegged them and keep my fingers crossed for more laterals! This is my second year with my Generous Gardener. Last year she didn't bloom much, but this year she's the best bloomer in my garden!